[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 16 (Tuesday, February 6, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E106]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING SENATOR ALAN CRANSTSON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GRACE F. NAPOLITANO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 6, 2001

  Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, today I remember an icon in California 
public service and a true role model for elected officials. Senator 
Alan Cranston embodied many attributes that symbol his dedication and 
commitment to serving the constituents he represented.
  Senator Cranston spent 32 years in public office, including twenty-
four as a United States Senator and rose to become a powerful force in 
the Democratic Party. After founding the California Democratic Council 
and winning two terms as state Controller, Alan Cranston was elected to 
the United States Senate in 1968, where he served until his retirement 
in 1993. Always a defender of the less fortunate, Senator Cranston 
fought for citizens of all races, ethnicities and income brackets, 
firmly believing that part of the American Dream was equality and 
opportunity for everyone.
  In recognition of his astute leadership and perseverance, Senator 
Cranston was elected Majority Whip by his colleagues from 1977-1981 and 
1987-1991 and served as Minority Whip from 1981-1987.
  One of Senator Cranston's most admirable causes was his passionate 
advocation of arms control. He was a profound believer in the United 
Nations and joined with former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to set 
up the Gorbachev Foundation USA, dedicated to eliminating nuclear 
weapons.
  On a personal note, Senator Cranston was a frequent visitor to my 
34th Congressional district where he would attend receptions at the 
Whittier home of our mutual constituents Kauzo and Mary Miyashita in 
support of the California Democratic Party. That is where my husband 
Frank and I first met the Senator in the mid 1980's.
  Alan Cranston will be remembered as a superb mechanic of the 
political process and for being one of California's and the nation's 
most devout public servants. His leadership should inspire us all and I 
am proud to celebrate his life and his causes.

                          ____________________